BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 307th Bomb Wing teamed up with Bossier Parish Community College, Building our Region’s Future and the Entrepreneurial Accelerator program to sponsor the first Air Show Innovation Showcase at BPCC, May 14, 2019.
The event was designed to highlight entrepreneurs and students from the region using technology and science to solve some of society’s most pressing problems. It featured several local companies who have created products in information technology, medicine, engineering and weapons technology that have the potential to have a positive impact in both civilian and military circles.
Speaking to the crowd gathered at the event, Col. Steven Kirkpatrick, 307th Bomb Wing commander, emphasized the need for collaboration between the education and military communities to spark innovation.
“Innovation is a big deal for us, especially when you consider it is what has allowed the B-52 (Stratofortress) to stay relevant after 60 years,” he said. “Also, many of our Reserve Citizen Airmen live in the local community, so the problems being solved here impact us directly.”
During the event, winners of the 2-Minute Drill, a competition open to BPCC students were announced. In the competition, contestants had two minutes to present their innovative business ideas to judges. Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ellis, mobilization assistant to the 8th Air Force commander, and Col. Courtney Hamilton, 307th BW vice-commander, volunteered to serve as judges for the contest along with civilian members of the community. Ellis previously served as wing commander of the 307th BW.
"It has been great to watch these students and see the innovative ideas they have come up with. You can see they have put a lot of work into this," said Hamilton. "It's always interesting to see new innovation, as we need new and interesting ideas to continue into the future and I think these guys have a great start with that."
The winner of the contest was Dakota Ferry who is majoring in Cyber Technology and Network Security. His plan for a clean water filtration and collection earned him accolades from the onlookers and a $500 grand prize.
Dave Smith, Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program executive director, said he believes the 307th BW was natural selection to help co-sponsor the event.
“With the 307th Bomb Wing being a reserve unit, we knew they were heavily integrated into the community,” explained Smith. “We think they make an excellent partner.”
Smith also expressed hope that awareness raised through the unit’s involvement will let Air Force personnel learn more about the veteran’s resource program’s available for budding entrepreneurs at BPCC and EAP.
According to its website, EAP has helped more than 60 local companies launched and helped raise more than $74 million in capital since its inception. To find out more about the EAP, call 318-716-4171 or visit their website at www.EAPLA.com